Skillet Bang Bang Chicken Thighs : The Ultimate Flavor-Packed Dinner

Let’s talk about a dinner recipe that’s guaranteed to shake up your weeknight meals: Skillet Bang Bang Chicken Thighs. Imagine crispy, juicy chicken thighs coated in a rich, creamy, spicy-sweet Bang Bang sauce. Every bite is bursting with flavor, and the best part? You can make this dish in just 25 minutes using one skillet.

If you’ve ever had Bang Bang Shrimp, you already know how irresistible that signature sauce is—creamy from the mayo, spicy from the sriracha, and balanced with just the right amount of sweetness. This dish takes those same flavors and combines them with succulent chicken thighs that crisp up beautifully in a hot skillet.

I first made this recipe on a night when I was craving something bold, saucy, and satisfying but didn’t want to wait for takeout. After that first bite, I knew this was going into the regular dinner rotation. My family devoured it, and even my pickiest eater asked for seconds!

So, whether you need a quick weeknight meal, something impressive for guests, or just a reason to use that bottle of sriracha sitting in your pantry, this Skillet Bang Bang Chicken Thighs recipe is here to save the day. Let’s get cooking!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Still not convinced? Here are a few reasons why this dish is about to become a staple in your kitchen:

1. It’s Fast and Easy

With minimal prep and only 25 minutes of cooking time, this is the kind of recipe you can throw together even on the busiest nights.

2. Crispy, Juicy Chicken Every Time

Chicken thighs are naturally juicy, and when seared in a skillet, they develop a golden-brown crust that’s pure perfection.

3. That Bang Bang Sauce = Pure Magic

The sauce is spicy, creamy, and slightly sweet, creating an irresistible coating that will have you licking your plate clean.

4. It’s a Crowd-Pleaser

This dish is perfect for spice lovers but easy to adjust for milder palates—just tweak the sriracha-to-honey ratio.

5. One-Pan = Less Cleanup

Cooking everything in one skillet means fewer dishes to wash. That’s a win in my book!

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Chicken:

• 6 boneless, skinless chicken thighs
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• ½ teaspoon paprika (adds a subtle smoky flavor)
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil (for frying)
• 1 cup Bang Bang sauce (homemade or store-bought)
• Chopped green onions (for garnish)

For the Homemade Bang Bang Sauce:

• ½ cup mayonnaise (for creaminess)
• 2 tablespoons sriracha (adjust for spice level)
• 1 tablespoon honey (adds a hint of sweetness)

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prep the Chicken

• First, pat the chicken thighs dry using paper towels. Removing excess moisture helps them get that perfect golden-brown crust.
• Season both sides with salt, black pepper, and paprika to build flavor.

2. Sear the Chicken

• Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add vegetable oil. Let it heat until it shimmers.
• Place the chicken thighs in the skillet, smooth side down, and cook for 5 minutes without moving them. This allows a golden crust to develop.
• Flip the chicken over, reduce the heat to medium-low, and cook for another 5-7 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
• Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.

3. Make the Bang Bang Sauce

• While the chicken cooks, whisk together mayonnaise, sriracha, and honey in a small bowl.
• Taste and adjust the flavors—add more sriracha for heat or more honey for sweetness.

4. Coat the Chicken in Sauce

• In the same skillet (don’t clean it—you want those delicious browned bits!), pour in the Bang Bang sauce and stir it around, letting it deglaze the pan.
• Return the cooked chicken thighs to the skillet, tossing them in the sauce until fully coated.

5. Garnish and Serve

• Sprinkle with chopped green onions for a fresh, slightly oniony bite.
• Serve immediately with steamed rice, roasted veggies, or a crisp salad.

Expert Tips for the Best Bang Bang Chicken

1. Want it Extra Crispy?

For even more crispiness, lightly coat the chicken in cornstarch before searing.

2. Meal Prep the Sauce

The Bang Bang sauce can be made ahead of time and stored in the fridge for up to a week.

3. Adjust the Spice Level

If you love heat, add a dash of red pepper flakes or an extra squeeze of sriracha. If you prefer a milder dish, use less sriracha and a touch more honey.

4. Use Bone-In Thighs for More Flavor

Bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs will add even more richness, but they require a longer cook time.

5. Serve It Up in Different Ways

This dish is versatile! Serve it:

• Over rice for a classic meal
• In tacos with lettuce and avocado
• On a salad for a lighter option
• With roasted potatoes for a heartier dish

What to Serve with Skillet Bang Bang Chicken

Pair this dish with simple sides to balance out the bold flavors. Some great options include:

• Steamed Jasmine Rice – Perfect for soaking up the sauce.
• Garlic Butter Noodles – A comforting carb option.
• Roasted Vegetables – Try carrots, broccoli, or bell peppers.
• Crunchy Slaw – A fresh contrast to the creamy sauce.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

• Calories: 336 kcal
• Fat: 24g
• Carbohydrates: 4g
• Protein: 28g
• Sugar: 2g

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigeration:

• Store leftover chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days.

Freezing:

• Freeze the cooked chicken (without sauce) for up to 3 months.
• When ready to eat, thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat.

Reheating:

• Stovetop: Heat in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of water if needed.
• Microwave: Cover with a damp paper towel and microwave in 30-second bursts until warm.

Recipe Variations

1. Make It Gluten-Free

Use a gluten-free mayonnaise and serve with rice or quinoa instead of pasta.

2. Make It Dairy-Free

This recipe is already dairy-free, but double-check your mayo to ensure no dairy additives.

3. Add a Crunchy Coating

For an extra crispy exterior, lightly dredge the chicken in cornstarch before searing it.

4. Use Chicken Breast Instead

Swap out thighs for chicken breast—just be careful not to overcook, as they dry out faster.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?

• Yes! You can use chicken breasts, but keep in mind that they cook faster and can dry out more easily. To prevent this, pound them to an even thickness and reduce the cooking time slightly.

2. How spicy is Bang Bang sauce?

• Bang Bang sauce has a mild to medium level of heat. The sriracha gives it a kick, but the mayo and honey help balance it out. You can increase or decrease the sriracha to adjust the spice level.

3. Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

• Yes! You can cook the chicken in advance and store it in the fridge for up to 3 days. When ready to serve, reheat it in a skillet with a little sauce to bring back the moisture.

4. Can I freeze Bang Bang Chicken?

• Yes, but only freeze the cooked chicken without the sauce. When ready to eat, thaw overnight in the fridge, reheat in a skillet, and toss in fresh Bang Bang sauce before serving.

5. What can I serve with Bang Bang Chicken?

This dish pairs well with:

• Steamed jasmine rice (to soak up the sauce)
• Roasted vegetables (like broccoli or bell peppers)
• Garlic butter noodles (for extra comfort)
• Crisp coleslaw (for a refreshing crunch)

6. Is this recipe gluten-free?

• Yes, if you use a gluten-free mayo and make sure your sriracha is gluten-free. Serve it with rice or quinoa instead of pasta.

7. How do I make the chicken extra crispy?

• For a crispier texture, lightly coat the chicken in cornstarch before searing it in the skillet.

8. Can I use a different sauce instead of Bang Bang sauce?

• Absolutely! If you prefer, you can toss the chicken in a teriyaki glaze, buffalo sauce, or honey garlic sauce instead.

9. Can I air-fry the chicken instead of using a skillet?

• Yes! To air-fry, preheat to 400°F and cook the chicken for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through. Then, toss in the Bang Bang sauce.

10. How do I store and reheat leftovers?

• Storage: Store cooked chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days.
• Reheating: Reheat in a skillet over low heat with a little sauce, or microwave in 30-second bursts until warm.

Final Thoughts 

If you love bold, saucy, and satisfying meals, this Skillet Bang Bang Chicken Thighs recipe is a must-try. Whether you’re making it for a weeknight dinner or serving it up for guests, this dish is guaranteed to impress.

Now it’s your turn! Try this recipe, snap a pic, and tag me on Instagram—I’d love to see your creations! Happy cooking!

Print